Disability management: the application of preventive measures, health promotion and case management in Italy. J Prev Med Hyg 2009 Mar;50(1):37-45
Date
09/24/2009Pubmed ID
19771759Scopus ID
2-s2.0-68549133316 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Disability Management can be defined as a practice to improve workers' health and to reduce the impact and costs of disability. The aim of the study was to estimate the diffusion of DM in Italian companies.
METHODS: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, the Worksite Disability Management Audit. The questionnaire was structured into five parts addressing the following domains: 1) characteristics of the company; 2) health promotion activities; 3) preventive measures; 4) case management; 5) disability management. We selected public and private companies and collected information by direct interview.
RESULTS: Twenty companies entered the survey. Twelve Companies (60%) indicated that health promotion programs and sensibilisation campaigns are usually carried out. The presence of an individual who provided workplace safety indications and materials was stated by 19 companies (95%). Periodical medical examinations are carried out by 19 companies (95%); 16 (80%) have an evaluation process for ergonomics concerns. Risk assessment and analysis are performed by all companies and the security procedures and policies are updated at least once in a year in 40% of cases. Health status monitoring of injured workers is performed in eight (40%) of the companies, while Disability Management is present as a whole in only three companies.
CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights that Disability Management is not undertaken in most companies and that, where applied, there is still confusion and disorganization about ways to promote health and manage workers' illness and disability. Hence, there is still the need to promote an all-inclusive evaluation and management of workers' safety, illness and disabilities.
Author List
La Torre G, De Giusti M, Mannocci A, De Waure C, Agostinelli A, Schena S, Capelli G, Ricciardi W, Boccia A, Disability Management Italian Collaboration Group, Damiani G, von Pinoci M, Fanton C, Federico BAuthor
Stefano Schena MD, PhD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultDisabled Persons
Disease Management
Female
Health Care Surveys
Health Promotion
Health Status
Humans
Italy
Male
Preventive Medicine
Program Development
Program Evaluation
Rehabilitation, Vocational
Surveys and Questionnaires
Workplace
